Disciplinary toolkit
- Follow a fair and proper disciplinary process
- 16 relevant documents provided
- Reduce the risk of legal action against you
This disciplinary toolkit will guide you through the process of handling a disciplinary matter. It includes a how-to guide and a pack of 16 relevant documents you are likely to need.
You will find template letters, agendas and other documents which can be used at each key step of the disciplinary process:
- Investigating the disciplinary matter (including suspension of your staff member if necessary and appropriate);
- Attending a disciplinary meeting with your staff member;
- Taking disciplinary action eg written warnings or dismissal; and
- Providing an opportunity for your staff member to appeal your decision.
The toolkit also includes a list of common disabilities, so that you can check whether you need to make any reasonable adjustments at disciplinary meetings.
This toolkit will help you to follow a fair and proper disciplinary process, which reduces the risk of your staff member taking legal action against you in future.
Q&A
When should I use this toolkit?
You should use this toolkit when you need to treat something your staff member has done as a formal disciplinary matter. This may be because it is a serious allegation or ongoing behavioural issue, and/or because you have tried to resolve the matter informally without success.
You must ensure that you follow your business's disciplinary policy when handling a disciplinary matter, which should include the steps set out in this toolkit.
What does this toolkit cover?
This toolkit includes a how-to guide which guides you through the key steps of a disciplinary process, from investigation and suspension through to disciplinary meetings, disciplinary action, and appeals.
It includes 16 key documents for you to use at each stage of the process, such as template letters and meeting agendas, which can be customised to your requirements.
Why do I need this toolkit?
This disciplinary toolkit provides you with a pack of legally compliant templates to use throughout the disciplinary process. This toolkit will guide you through a fair and proper disciplinary process, and provide you with the documentation you need to keep good records.
Following the proper disciplinary process reduces the risk of a staff member taking disciplinary action against you, and helps to maintain your reputation as a good employer.
Where can I find out more?
For comprehensive guidance on the disciplinary process, see Taking disciplinary action. For guidance about specific disciplinary situations, see Specific disciplinary situations.
Documents in Toolkit
Basic script for conducting a disciplinary appeal hearing- Basic script for conducting a disciplinary hearing
- Disciplinary investigation template
- Dismissal letter
- Final written warning for capability
- Final written warning for misconduct
- First written warning for capability
- First written warning for misconduct
- How-to guide: Disciplinary toolkit
- Invitation to attend a disciplinary appeal hearing
- Invitation to attend a disciplinary hearing
- Invitation to attend meeting to discuss sickness absence
- Letter to confirm outcome of a disciplinary appeal
- List of common disabilities
- Note taking template for disciplinary proceedings
- Sickness absence meeting - outcome letter
- Suspension letter pending investigation
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